The dilemma of cheating on your fitness goals

The dilemma of cheating on your fitness goals: SOLVED! 

This is a classic dilemma! 

You have been putting in all the efforts and every ounce of willpower you have to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. Tracking every calorie, substituting junk food with healthier alternatives, pushing yourself to work out and you can even see your hard work paying off.

This is exactly when your inner demons will pop out in the name of cravings!

Now there is a long-standing myth that a single cheat day can ruin one week of your routine. Let me assure you it is all but a myth! Cheat days are actually helpful. They are something you look forward to, like a ray of hope. 

There is a theory that cheat days supposedly increase the production of leptin, which boosts your metabolism. The glycogen stored in your muscles is rather limited if you have been following a strict diet for a long time. This can hamper your workout performance because you are more prone to fatigue. With the help of a cheat meal or a cheat day, you replenish your glycogen storage as the number of calories and carbohydrates you are consuming has increased. It will provide you with the energy you need for a strenuous workout. 

But it is advisable to restrict yourself to a cheat meal instead of a cheat day and do a thorough workout after.  Remember that going overboard on your cheat day can also set you back in achieving your weight loss goals. So treat yourself, but in moderation. 

Be aware of how your body and mind react to cheat days as it can have both positive and negative effects. For some people, it can be a motivating factor while for others it can be a complete distraction. The same goes for skipping workouts once in a while. Give yourself the rest you need. No harm, no foul!

Bottom line: Contrary to popular belief, it’s OK to indulge once in a while!